Mitacs launches new Defence and Security funding call to advance Canadian sovereign capabilities

Ottawa, ON — Today, Mitacs launched a call for applications through our Accelerate program in the Defence and Security sector. This new competitive funding opportunity will support industrial innovation partnerships that advance Canadian sovereign capabilities in areas identified in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS). Delivered in collaboration with Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND), the call channels Canada’s top graduate and postdoctoral research talent into applied, mission-relevant projects that strengthen the country’s defence industrial base.

Purpose and Impact

The Accelerate Defence and Security call advances Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities by pairing Canadian researchers and innovators with partner organizations on applied, mission-relevant R&D. Supported projects may contribute to the development of new intellectual property, technologies, products, and services that strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities and help accelerate the path from research to real-world application.

This initiative supports the objectives of Canada’s DIS and aligns with Mitacs’ Strategic Plan 2026–2030 to strengthen collaboration, talent development, and applied research commercialization in critical sectors.
Eligible strategic areas include Aerospace; Digital Systems (AI, Quantum, Cyber); In-Service Support; Personnel Protection; Sensors; Space; Specialized Manufacturing; Training and Simulation; Uncrewed Systems; Quantum Science and Technology; and Arctic Sovereignty.

Award Details and Key Dates

• Open: June 1, 2026 | Close: August 17, 2026
• Eligibility: Canadian postsecondary institutions partnering with Canadian businesses and other organizations contributing to Canada’s defence industrial base
• Master’s or PhD internship: $20,000 ($10,000 partner contribution; minimum $15,000 stipend)
• Postdoctoral fellowship internship unit: $25,000 ($12,500 partner contribution; minimum $20,000 stipend)
• Project size: Up to 30 internship units per project, with up to 50% of interns named after award
• Award decisions are expected in late 2026, with funded projects anticipated to begin in early 2027.
• Project duration: Up to two years

Quick Facts

• The Accelerate Defence and Security Call is delivered through Mitacs’ flagship Accelerate program
• Since 2018, Mitacs has invested $1.68B in R&D
• Mitacs has supported more than 42,000 innovation projects and over 118,000 student and postdoctoral research internships
• Mitacs works with almost 200 postsecondary institutions and more than 12,500 partner organizations across Canada

Quotes

“With the launch of the Mitacs Accelerate Defence and Security call, we’re pleased to bring the strength of Canada’s research and innovation talent to meet a national priority. Through this collaboration with the Department of National Defence, Mitacs is supporting Canadian researchers and partner organizations to advance the sovereign capabilities identified in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, delivering applied R&D results and helping build the skilled workforce Canada needs to safeguard our security, sovereignty, and prosperity.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, Chief Executive Officer, Mitacs

“A strong defence starts at home, with our researchers, our talent and our ideas. Through this collaboration with Mitacs, we are connecting top research talent with industry partners to develop the critical technologies that our Armed Forces need. This initiative strengthens Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy by accelerating applied research and innovation in key sovereign capability areas that will anchor our defence industry for generations to come.”

Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

Applications are now open. For full eligibility criteria, adjudication details, and to apply, visit: https://innovation.mitacs.ca/en/mitacs-accelerate-defence-and-security-call

About Mitacs

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services.

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

About The Department of National Defence

The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) support a strategic vision for defence in which Canada is strong at home, secure in North America and engaged in the world. From regular forces to reserve forces and civilian employees, the Defence Team stretches from coast to coast to coast. Its membership represents the strength, skills and diversity of Canada, and brings the experience necessary to protect and support Canadians no matter what is asked of them.

About Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy

The Government of Canada is rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Canadian industry will play a central role in this generational effort. Security, Sovereignty and Prosperity: Canada Defence Industrial Strategy is a long-term plan to support national prosperity and economic security by providing secure, reliable and timely capabilities to the CAF and our allies and partners while investing in Canada’s defence industry.

The strategy will also renew Canada’s partnership with industry and will help build a modern, innovative, and competitive defence ecosystem that will strengthen security for all Canadians and protect our sovereignty, while driving innovation, investment, good jobs, and economic growth. A core element of the strategy is positioning Canada at the global forefront of defence research and development and innovation. The strategy will also reinforce Canada’s reliability to allies and partners by supporting predictable, scalable capability that contributes to collective security.

Through the Defence Industrial Strategy, Canada will position its defence industry for long-term success at home and leadership abroad. A secure and sovereign country requires a secure and sovereign economy.